LOS ANGELES — Pioneer Electronics (USA) has expanded its lineup of in-dash multimedia receivers with five lower cost models that aim to improve consumer connectivity. These receivers debuted on Thursday, March 18, at a launch event inside the Roosevelt Hotel on Thursday, May 18. Marketing executive Ted Cardenas said the upgraded multimieda units can also help dealers sell more cars.
“Consumers may come into a dealership looking for a car that they saw on a commercial, but realize they can’t afford something brand new,” Cardenas said. “Now there are actually options to upgrade a certified or used car to the current technology, and that gives the dealership the ability to continue moving that inventory.”
The AVH 3300 NEX has a motorized screen that is more compatible with older cars, such as this 1986 Camaro.
At only $600, the company’s AVH-3300NEX offers a motorized touchscreen display. And at seven inches wide and two inches tall, the single-DIN unit allows for easy installation on older and collectable vehicles.
“Now, we’ve got a product that’s a solution for the consumers who love the older cars that couldn’t previously fit this type of car radio without a major surgery installation,” Cardenas said. “This option is only $600, which is a lower price point than we were at yesterday.”
The AVH-3300NEX ($600), LCD AVH-2330NEX and AVH-2300NEX ($500,) and LCD AVH-1330NEX and AVH-1300NEX ($400) are all more economical than previous models. All new NEX models have been engineered with an optimized PCB layout and a number of audiophile-grade sound features. Through Bluetooth connectivity, the new units can be paired with up to five smartphones. They also work with mobile applications such as maps, Spotify, and Pandora. The line can also receive text messages, phone calls, and feature voice-activated commands.
“Texting is kind of a hot button, but with Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s all dictated through your voice, and Siri then reads it back to you for accuracy,” Cardenas said.
Text messages do not appear on the screen. Instead, users simply press an icon on the touchscreen to have the message read back to them through the vehicle’s speaker system.
All models feature Apple CarPlay compatibility, and three of the models are compatible with Android Auto. Each model comes backup camera-ready, and are compatible with either original equipment backup cameras or the Pioneer ND-BC8 rear-view camera system.
